Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) is a critical component of modern endpoint management strategy. A feature in the Intune Suite, EPM focuses on elevating user access privileges as needed while effectively controlling application and administrative privileges. By doing so, it mitigates security risks associated with excessive permissions and unauthorized actions.

Why is EPM Important?

Imagine a scenario where an attacker gains full control of an endpoint. This situation is a bad actor’s dream, as it allows them to move laterally within the network, potentially compromising other systems.

To address this, EPM enforces the principle of least privilege access, ensuring that all users are configured as standard users by default.

Watch Microsoft’s Steven DeQuincey and Dave Chomas team up with Mobile Mentor’s Denis O’Shea and Neil Misak to explain and demo Endpoint Privilege Management with Intune Suite.

Features of Endpoint Privilege Management

EPM offers several features to strike a balance between security and user experience:

  • Rule Management: EPM allows easy addition or removal of rules. These rules define how applications and processes can elevate privileges. Whether it’s automatic elevation, user-confirmed elevation, or support-approved elevation, administrators can tailor rules to specific requirements.
  • Tenant-Level Enablement: Organizations can enable EPM at the tenant level, ensuring consistent privilege management across all endpoints.
  • Elevation Methods: Users trigger elevation through two methods:
    • “Run Elevated”: Users can manually elevate privileges for specific processes.
    • Automatic Elevation: Ideal for approved apps that need seamless elevation without user intervention.
    • User-Confirmed Elevation: Requires validation from the user before elevation, adding an extra layer of security.
    • Support-Approved Elevation: Reserved for trusted apps, requiring approval from designated personnel for time-based elevation.
  • Reporting Mode: SysAdmins can enable EPM in reporting mode to observe its impact before deploying it in production. This helps fine-tune rules and understand how elevation requests occur.
  • Granular Rule Definitions: Rules can be defined based on child processes, assignment filters, and Entra ID groups. This flexibility ensures that EPM adapts to the organization’s unique needs.

Scope and Timing

  • Windows 10: EPM is available for Windows 10 starting from version 21H2.
  • Windows 11: EPM is also supported on Windows 11 from version 21H2.
  • macOS: EPM support for macOS is coming soon.

Benefits of EPM

  • Security Enhancement: By enforcing least privilege access, EPM reduces the risk of systemic vulnerabilities associated with local admin accounts.
  • Productivity Maintenance: Controlled elevation of privileges ensures that users can perform necessary tasks without compromising security.
  • Visibility and Control: EPM provides IT administrators with comprehensive insights into elevation events, allowing proactive security management.

Conclusion:

In summary, Endpoint Privilege Management in the Intune Suite strikes a balance between security and usability, empowering organizations to protect their endpoints effectively. By enforcing least privilege, EPM reduces risks while allowing controlled elevation of privileges.

To learn more and jumpstart your journey with the Intune Suite, check out and apply to the Intune Suite Pilot Program here: https://www.mobile-mentor.com/intune-suite-pilot/

Amplifying efficiency and security

The Intune Suite Guide

Learn about features and strategies such as:

  • Endpoint Privilege Management: elevate user access privileges as needed

  • Enterprise App Management: discovery, packaging, deployment and patching of Windows apps

  • Cloud PKI: publish and distribute certificates from Intune without complex PKI

  • Tunnel for MAM: secure access to LOB apps from unmanaged mobile devices

  • Advanced Analytics: predict which machines, applications and users will have issues

  • Remote Help: unlock the seamless interface between the service desk agent and end-user

Andrew Reade

ANDREW READE

Andrew is our Digital Marketing Manager and oversees web-based marketing strategies and content creation for the organization. As a marketing veteran, Andrew has worked with organizations of all sizes in a diverse group of industries, from Risk Management to Transportation. Joining the organization in 2021, Andrew is based in Mobile Mentor’s Nashville, TN office.